Futbol Club Barcelona's former president Sandro Rosell spoke in public again on Saturday after spending 22 months in prison. Rosell, president of the giant Catalan football club from 2010 to 2014, was appearing to collect the "Sentiment blaugrana" (Blue-and-crimson passion) trophy given to him by the Federació Barcelonès Est, an association of Barça supporters groups.
Rosell, who was acquitted of money laundering charges last March after having served close to two years in preventative prison, told his audience how he spent his time in custody. "Listening to Barça games on the radio made me feel free," confessed the former president.
EFE
"I haven't spoken for two and a half years because they didn't allow me to," said Rosell. The former Barça president also thanked fans who had supported him and given him encouragement at every match played at the Camp Nou.
In prison, said Sandro Rosell, he went through "two years of deep reflection, loneliness and injustice." "I didn't understand the reason for those things that were happening to me, something that makes you think a lot. Hugging my mother, my wife, my children and some of my friends made me feel a little bit free," he said.
EFE
"At first I rejected coming here, then I changed my mind. When they give you a prize for the best president or the best businessperson... it's all a lie. You aren't the best. But a prize for passion for Barça, yes, I deserve it. You all deserve it," he concluded.
Sandro Rosell's 22-month imprisonment was the longest time anyone in Spain has spent in pretrial detention for an alleged financial offence. He was refused release ten times, as judges also turned down alternative measures proposed by the defence, such as an electric bracelet, withdrawal of his passport and bail of 35 million euros.